Escape to Paradise at Splash Magic Campground in PA

Splash Magic Campground PA is a popular campground located in Northumberland, Pennsylvania. It is situated on the banks of the Susquehanna River, offering stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere. The campground is known for providing a wide range of recreational activities and amenities, making it an ideal destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts. One of the main attractions of Splash Magic Campground is its water park. The park features multiple slides, pools, and splash pads, providing endless fun for visitors of all ages. Additionally, there is a lazy river where visitors can relax and float along with the gentle current.

Additionally, there is a lazy river where visitors can relax and float along with the gentle current. In addition to the water park, Splash Magic Campground also offers various other amenities to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay. The campground features spacious RV sites with full hookups, as well as tent sites for those who prefer a more traditional camping experience.

Morito Shrine: A Sacred Place by the Sea

You might be tempted to think that Shinto shrines belong to mossy forests or remote mountains, and many might agree with you. However, many famous Japanese shrines have a close relationship with the sea. Itsukushima Shrine on the ethereal island of Miyajima is a great example, but it’s not the only one.

Great views

Located in the town of Hayama, Kanagawa Prefecture, Morito Shrine stands as one of the most famous shrines in all of Hayama, if not the whole Shonan area. Built around 1180 by the first Kamakura shogun, Minamoto no Yoritomo, Morito Shrine grabs the attention of visitors for a number of reasons.

One is its location right along the Hayama coastline, in a small peninsula that separates Morito Beach and Manase Beach. A beach shrine is a curious sight but here, you simply cross Misogi Bridge over Morito River to reach this sacred place. Another reason is the beautiful scenery. On clear days, particularly in winter, both Enoshima Island and Mount Fuji are visible. A memorable sunset is the perfect gift when visiting at the end of the day. From Morito Shrine, you can see tiny Najima Island where a small red torii gate stands. The view is reminiscent of Miyajima's Itsukushima Shrine, and is definitely a sight not to miss.

The actual shrine

Entering the shrine area through its torii, you’ll soon discover a few buildings on both sides of the pathway. On the western side, is the chozuya to purify your hands and mouth, followed by a rest area. Continuing along towards the shrine’s honden main building, you will face the shamusho shrine office where you can buy amulets or ask for the shrine’s official goshuin seal stamp and other goods. Just behind the shamusho, there is a rampway that can be used by wheelchair or stroller users.

Now facing the shrine’s honden, the building seen today was rebuilt from the original one in the 16-17th centuries and is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Hayama. Interestingly, the shrine doesn’t have its own mikoshi (portable shrine), so, instead, each Hayama district uses their own to celebrate the shrine’s annual festival on September 8, a day believed to be the shrine deity's birthday as well as the day when Yoritomo asked for permission from Shizuoka Prefecture's Mishima Taisha Shrine (to which he was deeply connected) to build Morito Shrine.

Good fortune for all

Morito Shrine is one of seven sacred sites where, in the Kamakura period, prayers to prevent disasters, promote good health and welcome good weather were held. Known as one of the nanasebarai seven purification spots, the other six places are Yuigahama, Shichirigahama, Katasegawa, Mutsuura, Itachigawa and Enoshima Ryuketsu.

Returning towards the entrance torii from the east side, you’ll notice a few more interesting buildings. Close to the honden lies the Oseki Inarisha, a small praying spot thought to help people suffering from coughs and sore throats. Next is Suitengu, a second praying spot said to help mothers safely give birth to their child. Right by it lies the Kodakara Ishi Nassho, a place where parents return stones that have their child's name written on it in the belief that their child will become as strong as a stone.

Closer to the entrance, you’ll see the Koshinto, where the deity Sarutahiko Okami is enshrined, followed by two more praying altars. Chikureisha, where people pray for the health of their livestock, and Soreisha, where prayers are offered to an ancestor. For those interested, even a wedding facility can be found outside of the torii on the west side.

Gifts of history

At the rear of the shrine are a few more interesting spots to visit. One is a bronze sculpture of Yujiro Ishihara, a famous actor and singer of the post WWII Showa period. He spent his younger days in the area, loving it as much as its people loved him. His older brother Shintaro raised funds to build the small lighthouse that can be seen just behind it, near Najima Island. Many fans still gather here to pay tribute to him.

Walk on a little more and you'll come to an 800-year old pine tree called senganmatsu. It is said that, in the year of 1184, when Yoritomo was resting at the beach, he saw this pine tree on the rock and praised it as being “a very rare pine tree.” He was told that the tree, using the currency of the era, had a value of some 1000 gan and has been known as the senganmatsu one-thousand-gan-pine-tree ever since.

A great location, particularly during the summer and festival season, Morito Shrine is a destination that comes highly recommended.

Getting there

By train:

• From the East Exit of Zushi Station on the JR Yokosuka Line or the South Exit of Zushi-Hayama Station on the Keikyu Zushi Line:
  • 10 minutes by taxi, or
  • 15 minutes by the no.12 Keihin Kyuko bus bound for Hayama Isshiki. Alight at Morito Shrine bus stop.

  By car:

  • From Yokohama-Yokosuka Expressway (E16) exit at the Zushi IC via the Zuyo Shindo towards Kamakura
    • Go straight at the Nagae intersection, entering the tunnel. Turn left at the Nagisabashi intersection (before the bridge) then straight at the Hayama Motomachi intersection. Cross the bridge for about 100m and then turn right to pass under the red torii. Turn left just before the shrine to the parking lot. A 20-minute drive from the Zushi IC to the Morito Shrine.
      • There are 105 car spaces available. First 30 minutes are free, then ¥220 / 30min from October to June, and ¥550 / 30min from July to September.

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      At the rear of the shrine are a few more interesting spots to visit. One is a bronze sculpture of Yujiro Ishihara, a famous actor and singer of the post WWII Showa period. He spent his younger days in the area, loving it as much as its people loved him. His older brother Shintaro raised funds to build the small lighthouse that can be seen just behind it, near Najima Island. Many fans still gather here to pay tribute to him.

      

      There are also rental cabins available for those who want a cozy and convenient accommodation option. For recreational activities outside of the water park, Splash Magic Campground offers basketball and volleyball courts, a mini-golf course, and a playground for children. Additionally, visitors can enjoy fishing in the Susquehanna River or take a scenic hike along the nearby trails. To make the camping experience even more convenient, Splash Magic Campground has an on-site store where visitors can purchase groceries, camping supplies, and other necessities. There is also a snack bar that serves a variety of delicious food and refreshing beverages. Overall, Splash Magic Campground PA offers a perfect blend of relaxation and excitement. Whether you're looking to have a fun-filled day at the water park or simply unwind amidst nature, this campground has something for everyone. With its range of amenities and beautiful surroundings, it's no wonder that Splash Magic Campground is a popular destination for camping enthusiasts in Pennsylvania..

      Reviews for "Splash into Summer at Splash Magic Campground in PA"

      1. John Doe - 1/5

      I had high expectations for Splash Magic Campground, but I was sorely disappointed. The facilities were run-down, the bathrooms were dirty, and the showers barely had any hot water. The staff was also extremely unhelpful and unaccommodating. We had a problem with our campsite and when we reported it, they simply dismissed us and did nothing to resolve the issue. Overall, I would not recommend this campground to anyone looking for a pleasant camping experience.

      2. Emily Smith - 2/5

      I recently visited Splash Magic Campground and was not impressed. The site was overcrowded and noisy, making it impossible to relax and enjoy nature. The amenities were lacking, with limited activities for children and the pool area was dirty. The campground itself was poorly maintained with numerous potholes and unkept grass. The only positive aspect was the proximity to local attractions, but that wasn't enough to outweigh the negatives. I would not choose to stay here again.

      3. Sarah Thompson - 2/5

      I had such high hopes for Splash Magic Campground, but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The campsites were cramped, and there were no trees or natural shade, making it feel like we were in a parking lot. The noise level was also unbearable, with loud music and parties going on late into the night. The staff seemed indifferent to the noise and didn't enforce any quiet hours. Additionally, the amenities were subpar, and the bathrooms were not kept clean. I regretted choosing this campground and wouldn't recommend it to others.

      Create Lasting Family Memories at Splash Magic Campground